Little Rock authorities okay talk city horizon and 2024 budget

Little Rock City Hall
Brian Chilson

Little Rock city board members met Tuesday night to plan for their Nov. 21 meeting, when they're expected to vote on a regulation to permit downtown developers to intend greater.

A proposed modification would alter existing code that limits heights on "urban usage" locations downtown. Jamie Collins, director of the city's preparation and advancement, described to the board that altering the ordinance would create a thick core area for the city by permitting structures zoned for city use to reach an optimum of 225 feet.

The existing code from 2000 limits buildings' height based upon how the building will be utilized. If property locations are added to a building that's presently 72 feet tall, an additional 28 feet would be permitted. Going even more, if the same structure included a transit stop, it could include 14 extra feet in height.

Under the proposed amendment, that requirements would head out the window, indicating developers could build up to 225 feet, period.
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Director Lance Hines expressed issues about how this change would impact those who have actually purchased condominiums with great views of the Arkansas River. Could a developer can be found in and build a high structure that obstructs those views? He said there hasn't been enough public outreach on this advancement, and many people who reside in buildings that might be obstructed by new developments have not even become aware of this yet. If property advancement persists, Hines also worried the need for additional parking.

Director Antwan Phillips countered Hines' worry about support for loading downtown tighter. As the chair of a Little Rock job force working to resolve downtown density, Phillips stated the group has connected to various people who would be impacted, and they support the change. Enabling organizations to grow downtown and include variety to existing buildings will motivate development, Phillips stated.
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Any resident with concerns about this advancement can speak at the board's Nov. 21 meeting, he added.

The board of directors likewise got a discussion from the city's monetary group on the 2024 proposed budget. Though not expected to be voted on next week, Scott said his administration wanted to supply city directors with lots of time to look over the draft.

The complete budget discussion took nearly an hour. Here are some crucial takeaways from the proposition:

The draft spending plan is balanced, suggesting the anticipated revenues match the expected expenditures.
The general fund is estimated at $257,510,221, which comes in at nearly 4% higher than the present year's changed spending plan.
Policeman are forecasted to get a 5% raise. It would cost about $3.2 million.
Police recruitment incentives would remain at $10,000, however the budget would allot cash for 65 recruits instead of the existing 35.


The cops and fire department operational expenses would run an overall of $152,638,876.
The city would add a social networks manager to its executive administration.
A new chief homelessness officer position would be added.
Financing for the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts would increase by $1.8 million.
An additional $25,000 would be sent out to the city lawyer's office to cover litigation expenses and public record demands.
Personnel costs would represent 74% of the city's expenditures.